Secretary of State > Business and Licensing > Licensing > Eligilibity Requirements for Licensing

 Eligilibity Requirements for Licensing 

Basic Requirements for All Licensees

Regardless of whether you intend to apply for an individual or firm license, as a private investigator or security guard, there nine basic requirements which apply to all applicants. For a firm, these basic requirements apply to all officers, member or partners, and all employees who will conduct business.

1. Be at least 18 years old or older. 
2. Be a citizen of the United States, or an alien legally residing in the United States.  
3. Be of good moral character.  
4. Have not had a previous private investigator or security guard license revoked or denied in West Virginia or any other state.  
5. Have not been declared incompetent by a court because of a mental defect or illness. 
6. Do not suffer from narcotics addiction or dependence or habitual drunkenness. 
7. Have not been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or territory. 
8. Have not been convicted of any of these crimes:

• Illegally using, carrying or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon;
• Making or possessing burglar's instruments;
• Buying or receiving stolen property;
• Entering a building unlawfully;
• Aiding an inmate's escape from prison;
• Possessing or distributing illicit drugs; or
• Any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or for which dishonesty of character is a necessary element. 

    9.  Have never:

• Engaged in the private investigation or security guard business without a license;
• Transferred my license to an unlicensed person or subcontracted with an unlicensed person or firm to conduct investigations or security guard business;
• Employed anyone to conduct investigations or security guard business who was in violation of any of the prohibitions or requirements of law;
• Falsely represented that I am or any other person is licensed as an investigator or guard;
• Made any false report with respect to any matter relating to my employment;
• Divulged any information obtained from or for a client without express permission;
• Knowingly accepted employment to obtain information intended for illegal purposes; or
• Authorized another person to violate the law or rules. 

Select the type of license you are seeking and review the eligibility requirements for that particular license:
Private Investigator License 
Security Guard License